Winter Passing is a 2005 indie drama film directed by Adam Rapp. The film follows Reese Holden, a struggling actress living in New York City who has been offered a large sum of money by a book editor to secure love letters written by her reclusive novelist father, Don Holden, to her deceased mother.
In an effort to retrieve the letters, Reese returns to her childhood home in Michigan where she finds her father living in near isolation. However, when she arrives, she discovers that her father has allowed a former grad student named Shelly and a musician named Corbit to take up residence in their home.
As Reese tries to reunite with her father and gather the letters, she becomes entangled in the lives of Shelly and Corbit, who are trying to find their own way in life. Reese begins to find solace in the company of the two, who have a profound effect on her.
Meanwhile, Don is more interested in his new friends than his own health and well-being as he spends his days smoking, drinking, and ignoring his daughter's attempts to connect with him.
As the group struggles to find common ground, they each come to terms with their own demons and past traumas. The film ultimately deals with themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
Winter Passing features an ensemble cast including Zooey Deschanel, Ed Harris, Amelia Warner, Will Ferrell, and Amy Madigan. The film received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following due to its poignant, honest portrayal of fractured relationships and human connection.